Qadri blames cops in civvies for violence in Islamabad

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Dr Tahirul Qadri Tuesday said policemen in civil dresses carried out violence in Islamabad and the government blamed it on PAT’s unarmed civilians.Qadri told a press conference that 1,400 PAT workers were arrested and booked under anti-terrorism clauses. “Never in the history of Pakistan, so many people were charged. We will take revenge of state terrorism through law,” he said.The PAT chief said Punjab police fired teargas on people in Islamabad when they were offering the Fajr prayer. “They had come to Islamabad for my reception,” he said, and added that Punjab government demonstrated brutal terrorism on his arrival like they had done in Model Town on June 17.The PAT chief extended his support to ongoing military operation in North Waziristan for elimination of terrorists and announced to observe next four consecutive Fridays starting from June 27 as ‘Youm-e-Zarb-e-Azb’. “The operation of Zarb-e-Azb by Pakistan Army is a jihad against terrorism. From this Friday, I appeal to everyone to stage peaceful rallies in support of Zarb-e-Azb.” He announced that PAT and Minhajul Quran International will send 25,000 bags of food and medicines for IDPs. He also advised his workers to set up donation camps.Meanwhile, Punjab governor met Dr Qadri and formally offered him foolproof security on behalf of Punjab government. However, the PAT rejected the offer.An MQM delegation also called on Dr Qadri. MQM leader Ameenul Haq said Altaf Hussain considered Dr Qadri as his elder brother. He quoted MQM chief as condemning the maltreatment meted out to PAT workers at Lahore airport. Dr Qadri thanked the MQM delegation for expressing solidarity with his party and the injured PAT supporters.